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v0.34:Minecart
| This article is about an older version of DF. |
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Excuse the cave-ins. This page is under construction. |
A minecart is a tool used mostly for hauling. It is made of wood or metal at a carpenter's workshop or a metalsmith's forge. Minecarts store five times as many items as wheelbarrows, but have the disadvantage of micromanagement.
The interface for selecting minecart usage can be accessed from the hauling menu.
Track
Minecart tracks take up much space, may be complicated to construct, and often will require resources.
Tracks are carved with designations, with d T, or alternatively built from the construction section, with b C, in where you can not only build tracks (with T), but also build stops (with S). While engraved tracks can only be carved on natural stone floors, they are much more convenient and can be smoothed for refurbishing.
Engraved tracks have corners added automatically, while constructed tracks let you decide exactly what type of segment to build. Tracks can move up or down z-levels by means of ramps, but not stairs.
Track stop
Place a track stop on a track, and set the friction and how it stops things. In the b C S menu, setup if and where a stop dumps things before the stop is built.
Use h to set up routes, this allows you to mark the stops and put the vehicle that'll be used, then for each stop explain exactly when to take things, where to take them from, etc.
Then set up the stockpiles nearby, link them accordingly, set up the give or not give so everything moves where you want, then wait for them to be pushed!
Roller
A roller is built with a mechanism in the b M menu by selecting r. Rollers must be powered, and they serve the purpose of moving a minecart without dwarf-power.
Hauling route
From the hauling menu, minecart routes can be set up, and stockpile links set.
Danger
Minecarts are not without danger. Although designating a track automatically sets the traffic designation to low, dwarves may still walk on them. If an unlucky dwarf fails to dodge a minecart, he or she can be injured.